In July, things were relatively quiet at the Salt Spring Island Transition House. Then, on a single day in August, we received 11 crisis calls. Within three days, every room was full again with women and their children. You can read the full story, including some words from our clients and an update on the Garden Program at The Cedars, on the Salt Spring Exchange.
This is the reality of the work we do. The need for our services never goes away and we never know when someone will need us. We need to be ready.
Islanders Working Against Violence (IWAV) has had several names since we started providing emergency shelter at our Transition House in 1992, but our core reason for existing has remained the same, violence exists in the Southern Gulf Islands community and we are here to help. Support from our donors, friends, neighbours, partners, and champions is a critical part of being ready to help when Islanders need us.
It takes community working together to end violence.
The Cedars: The Step Between Shelter and Home
Emergency shelter is only the first step in escaping and recovering from violence and abuse. IWAV also operates The Cedars, our second-stage transitional housing. Women and their children can live at The Cedars for up to 18 months while they receive support and take part in programs that help them stabilize and plan for the future. The Cedars does not currently receive steady government operating funding and the program continues to face financial pressure.
There are two very important ways you can help us, this Fall and every month:
Become a Monthly Donor
Regular monthly gifts let us plan ahead and keep programs like The Cedars running. You can join our Monthly Donors Circle for as little as $5 a month. Everyone who signs up before October 6 will be entered into a draw for a gift basket valued at over $200 and a $50 gift card, generously donated by Rock Salt Restaurant and Salt Spring Mercantile. You can sign up to be a Monthly Donor through Keela or CanadaHelps.
Join us for dinner on October 6
We still have 20 tickets left for our 8th Annual Fundraising Dinner, the $10,000 for Change Supper, at Stowel Lake Farm. This is our major fundraiser of the a year, an elegant evening featuring a three-course meal (featuring beets from the garden at The Cedars!) by Sweetgrass Catering, with all proceeds going directly to The Cedars.
Thank you for standing with us.
If you or someone you know needs support, please call our 24/7 crisis line:
Toll-free 1-877-435-7544 or local (250) 537-0735
